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Sisterhood

The Or VeShalom (OVS) Sisterhood is the women’s auxiliary of Congregation Or VeShalom, an historic Sephardic synagogue in Atlanta founded by Jewish immigrants from Turkey and Rhodes.

Hanukkah Bazaar & Food Festival


Join us for the 49th annual Hanukkah Bazaar & Food Festival on Sunday, December 9 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

  • Eat delicious Mediterranean cuisine and buy delicacies and pastries to take home. Don’t miss exclusive treats like baklava – made only once a year for Bazaar.
  • Play games, do activities and enjoy live entertainment for kids of all ages.
  • Shop for holiday gifts from local vendors including everything from jewelry to gifts to Judaica and enter to win our premium liquor and gift basket raffles. 

Admission is $5 per person or $20 per family and includes all kids activities.
Food, gifts and raffle tickets are available for purchase.

Origins & Early Years

Established on February 26, 1920, as the Nessah Israel Society, the Sisterhood was founded by Marguerite Behar and Sarah Ezeza. From the start, their mission focused on caring for the sick and supporting those in need, as well as contributing to community charities like the Atlanta Hebrew Orphans’ Home and the Jewish Federation.

Community Contributions

For over a century, the Sisterhood has strengthened OVS through:

  • Charitable Support for Local Jewish organizations
  • Fundraising, including the popular Hanukkah Bazaar featuring Sephardic food, children’s activities and local vendors
  • Educational Programs on Jewish and Sephardic heritage
  • Social Events that build community bonds
  • Synagogue Improvements through their annual Donor Event
Bazaar Volunteers group photo from 2023

PRESERVING SEPHARDIC TRADITIONS

The Sisterhood plays a key role in preserving Sephardic customs, especially through traditional foods like burekas, and biscochos.

Today

The OVS Sisterhood remains a vital part of the congregation, continuing its mission of service, cultural preservation, and community connection.

Multigenerational Bakers Biscochos
Sisterhood Golden Ladies group photo